Common Wood Flooring Issues And What Causes Them

Wood flooring issues can happen to even the most diligent and careful homeowners. No matter how much you love your wooden floor or how meticulously you maintain it, accidents and wear over time are inevitable. Even with proper care, at some point, you may find yourself facing repairs.

Unfortunately, wood floor repairs are often the last thing you want to deal with. Not only can they put your floor at risk of more severe damage, but they can also be time-consuming, disruptive, and expensive. However, professional maintenance is essential to keep your beautiful wood floor in top shape. With proper care, real wood floors can last up to a century. Key to this longevity is addressing both minor and major issues promptly to prevent them from escalating.

Prevention is often the best approach when it comes to wood flooring problems. Many issues are preventable if you understand their causes and take proactive steps. If problems do arise, it's important to understand both their causes and the best way to tackle them. Even seemingly minor imperfections shouldn't be ignored, as they can lead to more significant damage if left unchecked.

To help you maintain your solid wood, engineered wood, or parquet flooring, here's a list of the most common wood floor issues and what causes them.

Damaged and Missing Parquet Blocks

Likely causes:

• Building works such as electrical, plumbing, or other renovations.
• Removal of structural elements like walls or fireplace hearths.
• Water damage from leaks, plumbing issues, or moisture exposure.

How to repair:

Repairing damaged or missing parquet blocks requires professional expertise. A wood floor repair service will typically provide reclaimed or new wood blocks that match the existing flooring as closely as possible. The process may include:

• Sanding and sizing up the new blocks to fit seamlessly.
• Refinishing and staining the blocks to match the colour of the original floor.
• Fitting the blocks using methods like nailing or gluing down.

This ensures a perfect blend with the rest of your floor, restoring its original appearance.

Loose Parquet Blocks

Likely causes:

• Water damage from leaks or excessive moisture.
• General wear and tear over time.
• Failure or weakened adhesive, causes the blocks to loosen.
• Subfloor issues, such as unevenness or deterioration.

How to repair:

A professional wood floor repair service will follow a meticulous process:

• Remove the loose blocks carefully without damaging the surrounding ones.
• Clean the subfloor or the underside of the parquet block to remove any debris or old adhesive.
• Reattach the block using a high-quality, strong adhesive to ensure a secure bond.

In most cases, the subfloor is not the root cause of the problem. However, if issues with the subfloor are detected, further investigation and repairs may be needed to prevent future loosening.

Gaps between the Wooden Floorboards

Likely causes

• Expansion and contraction of the floorboards due to changes in moisture, humidity, and temperature.
• Water damage can cause the boards to shrink or shift over time.

How to repair:

A professional wood floor repair service will conduct gap filling to restore the smooth, uniform appearance of your floor. Depending on the size of the gaps:

• Smaller gaps are filled using a mixture of resin and sawdust, which blends seamlessly with the existing wood.
• Larger gaps are filled using wood slivers, carefully fitted and glued into place for a durable and natural-looking repair.

Uneven or Raised Hardwood Floorboards

Likely causes:

• Damaged or eroded substrate, causing instability beneath the floorboards.
• Ground movement under the floor, resulting in unevenness.
• Flooding or changes in groundwater table levels that affect the structure beneath the wood floor.

How to repair:

A professional wood floor repair specialist will follow a detailed process to ensure a smooth, even floor:

1. Lift the damaged area of the floor to assess the underlying problem.
2. Remove and replace the damaged or eroded substrate with a new, levelled substrate for stability.
3. Reinstall the wooden floorboards to create a uniform and even surface, restoring the floor’s integrity.

Poor and Worn Appearance: Scratches, Stains, Dents, Cracks, and Aged Look

Likely causes: 

• Poor re-sanding or refinishing services in the past, or a complete lack of restoration services.
• Inadequate cleaning and maintenance routines, leading to dirt build-up and damage.
• Inappropriate seals that obscure the natural beauty of the wood.
• General wear and tear from daily use.

How to repair:

Restoring a worn and damaged wooden floor is one of the most common reasons to hire a professional wood floor restoration team. The process typically involves:

1. Sanding the floor's surface to remove imperfections, scratches, and stains.
2. Refinishing and staining the floor to bring back its original beauty and protect it from future damage.
3. Ensuring a smooth, flawless finish that revitalises the floor and gives it a refreshed look.

Wood Floor That Is Difficult to Clean

Likely causes: 

Incorrect or lack of wood floor protection, leading to the accumulation of dirt and grime.

How to repair:

A professional wood floor restoration service can bring your floor back to life by:

1. Sanding the floor to remove any old finishes, dirt, or damage.
2. Refinishing with a high-quality sealant, applied in several coats to ensure lasting protection. The finishing product is carefully selected to meet the specific needs of your space, whether it's a high-traffic area or a quieter environment.
3. Ensuring easy cleaning and maintenance once the floor is properly sealed, helping the wood stay clean and look its best for years to come.

Missing Flooring Accessories

Likely causes: 

• General wear and tear over time.
• Other situations such as improper installation or removal during renovation work.

How to repair:

A professional wood floor repair team will:

1. Supply the necessary flooring accessories such as trims, mouldings, or thresholds.
2. Offer a variety of designs and colours to ensure they match the existing flooring and complement the overall interior.
3. Install the accessories seamlessly, restoring the complete look of your wood floor while enhancing its durability and style.